Spring Break Travel Advisories

Even though we’ve had some strikingly spring-like weather here of late, beaches and sun destinations are still calling many Canadians for a spring break vacation.

Before sending your clients South for their holiday, make sure they know to check the Government of Canada travel advisories site for what they need to know and be on the lookout for.

Bahamas

Canadian travellers to the Bahamas are advised to exercise a high degree of caution (yellow) due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

The advisory includes information on petty crime, like purse-snatching and pick-pocketing, which has a higher rate of incidence during busy times, like during regattas, holidays and festivals and on public transit. Violent crime, sexual assaults on women, fraud and road safety are also things about which travellers should remain vigilant. 

Belize

The country of Belize has a yellow, “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory, with a special regional warning for Southside Belize City, where Canadians are advised to avoid all non-essential travel. The elevated advisory states the area south of the Haulover Creek River should be avoided, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. It does say tourists are rarely targeted for these crimes, but could find themselves in “the wrong place at the wrong time” and notes limited police capacity to deal with the activity.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica isn’t generally considered a highly risky destination, but that doesn’t mean travellers should let their guards down. The country is under a yellow “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory for crime.

The advisory is detailed about which areas are of special note for crime risk, particularly property and passport theft. It notes that tourists are generally seen as affluent and therefore good targets. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions. 

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is another popular vacation spot with the yellow “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory, due to crime.

Violent crime and petty crime are both noted as something to watch out for, as are the limitations of police resources. It states that the police may be unable  to respond in a timely manner to requests for assistance (particularly outside the main tourist areas).

Due to continued political and civil unrest in Haiti, the border between the countries remains closed. The advisory states:

"The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

The security environment is highly unpredictable in the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in Dajabón. Disturbances and incidents are common, some of which can lead to violence. Emergency services are often unavailable near the border. 

If you choose to travel near the border with Haiti:

• keep your passport on-hand and accessible.
• avoid travelling after dark.
• monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation.
• follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces."
  
  

Jamaica

Crime in Jamaica has given some travellers pause when considering a Caribbean vacation there. Currently, the Canadian government advises visitors to exercise a high degree of caution due to violent crime rates.

The advisory states: 

“Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms. There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.

Crimes tend to be concentrated within what the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or “high-risk communities”, but can take place anywhere and at any time.”

It lists specific neighbourhoods that are higher risk, advising anyone who opts to visit:

• maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.
• avoid visiting or travelling at night.
• follow the advice of local authorities.
• avoid walking alone, even during the day.
• go out in groups with people that you know.
• avoid visiting isolated areas and beaches.

If you’re threatened by robbers, don’t resist, and hand over your cash and valuables. Resistance may provoke the use of violence.

Mexico

Mexico as a whole rates a yellow, ”exercise a high degree of caution” advisory from the government, due to the risk of kidnapping and criminal activity.  There are elevated orange “avoid non-essential travel” warnings in select regions. 

The border regions between the U.S. and Mexico have long been subject to travel advisories due to high levels of violence and organized crime. Many of the regional warnings have exceptions, such as if travellers are arriving by air, or for specific cities.

Of note is the advisory for Sinaloa state. There is an exclusion for the city of Los Mochis, but not for the tourist destination of Mazatlán. The warning for Mazatlán and Culiacán states:

“In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.”

The warning advises those in Culiacán, Mazatlán or their surrounding areas to:

• exercise extreme caution.
• limit your movements.
• monitor local media for the latest information.
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

 

 

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